“Ifhe survives, he will suffer for it the rest of his life,” the Colonel observed. “His looks were what he relied on to charm his victims. He will be lucky to charm a blind man now. He has been rendered impotent. In fact, I believe the worst punishment for him will be living with his disfigurement. In a way it will be poetic justice. Do not forget, there are many who would love to get their hands on Wicky; his miserable life could end in that fashion.” None of the other men disagreed with the Colonel.
“What of an annulment?” Hurst wondered.
“It is not necessary,” Bingley asserted. “The document I will have Mr Phillips draw up will not only attest to him not knowing who his assailant was, but his ceding all authority for my sister to me. I will be generous and give him twenty pounds to see him on his way when he leaves here, if he recovers, that is.”
It greatly impressed Darcy how much Bingley had matured in the last month. Before he would not have had the backbone to do what needed to be done with regard to either his sister or Wicky. “In that case, let us hope he recovers so he will finally receive his due about which he is always talking.”Darcy looked to his cousin. “How long will you be here now that there is nothing for you to do with Wicky?”
“I have a sennight before I must return,” the Colonel averred. “Will you remain here or make for London?”
“I must remain for somewhat longer, so I can help Bingley here learn about estate management,” Darcy informed his cousin. “With everything which has occurred there has not been much time for that up until now.”
“You are welcome to reside here at the estate,” Bingley invited. He rang the bell and instructed the butler to tell his wife, the housekeeper, to show the Colonel to the other bedchamber in Mr Darcy’s suite.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
Towards the end of the first full week of November, a letter arrived at the Gardiners’ house from Lambert Hills. Madeline opened it and began to read.
6 November 1810
Lambert Hills, Derbyshire
Maddie and Edward,
Before anything else allow Gwen, the children, and me to express our deep sorrow and condolences on the passing of Jane.
She was one of the kindest and most gentle souls we have ever met. The first time Addie, Henry, and Rory met her they fell in love with her gentleness and compassion. We all grieve deeply that she is no longer in the mortal world.
Our love extends to Lizzy as well. The children wanted us to come and collect her immediately as they love her stories just as much as your four do. I do not think we have met Mary, but that being said, both of your nieces are more than welcome to come to us for as long as they choose.
Gwen and I trust your plans to spend the summer with us have not changed. We are aware Gardiner will remain for as long as his business allows it, and you can tell him the trout stream isfully stocked and calling out for him to come fish.
We await to hear when Lizzy and Mary will arrive.
With brotherly love,
Tim
Chapter 20
Madeline found Elizabeth and Mary with her children the morning after the letter from Lambert Hills arrived. The former was assisting the younger two with the lessons in their letters and sums while Mary was sitting with Lilly at the upright pianoforte in the schoolroom.
“As much as your cousins will object, I need to speak to you two,” Madeline told her nieces. As she predicted there was a chorus of objections. A stern look silenced the children who returned to their lessons without further complaint.
Elizabeth and Mary were led into their aunt and uncle’s private sitting room. Once they were seated, Madeline handed them the letter from her brother. She waited while they read it. She knew they were done when they both looked up. “I know words of condolence will have pricked at your hearts, but what think you of his offer for you to come stay?” she asked. “I had this idea in Hertfordshire, but did not want to raise your hopes by saying something until I received a reply from Gwen and Tim. Before you ask, no it isnotbecause we do not want you with us or an issue of space. Edward and I know you grew up in the country, and that is where you are most at home. It is for your comfort alone I thought of making the request of my brother and sister.”
“May we have some time to discuss this between us before we give you an answer?” Elizabeth requested.
“Of course you may,” Madeline agreed. She stood and exited the sitting room.
“What think you, Mary?” Elizabeth queried. “I know you have not met Aunt Gwen and Uncle Tim before, but from the times Jane and I were in their company, I can report they are estimable people. If memory serves their estate is in Derbyshire, not far from the border with Nottinghamshire. Jane and I both met the three children, a girl and two boys. They are Adelaide, Henry, and Rory.”
“I do not object to meeting them, but what do you think about being hosted by them? It is far from Hertfordshire, and how will we see Kitty and Lydia if we are not in London?” Mary mused.
“Mary, that is a very good question, and something we need to take into account when we make our decision,” Elizabeth replied. “As far as residing at Lambert Hills, you know I always prefer the country to Town. If there was no worry about seeing our sisters, and you did not object, I would agree with alacrity.”
“We can ask Aunt Maddie about our sisters, and also, when would we see the Gardiners if we agree to go north?” Mary added.
“In that case, let us have a maid request our aunt rejoin us,” Elizabeth suggested. Mary nodded her agreement so Elizabeth stood and looked in the hallway. She saw a maid and asked the girl to pass on her request to the mistress.
